Sylvia Nwoko: Running a social media business has not been easy

Sylvia Nwoko is a 22-year-old graduate of Foreign Languages from the University of Benin, Nigeria. She established Thatpurpledotcouture, a unisex clothing brand in Nigeria as a fashion blog in October 2015. After a year, she developed interest in turning it into a business and ventured into fashion services such as fashion designing, retailing Ankara fabrics, fashion accessories and other ready-to wear fashion items.

At the beginning, Sylvia was her own model, alongside a couple of her friends. Asides doing this, she has interests in singing, travelling and reading good books.

How have you managed to successfully run a social media business?

Running a social media business has not been easy. However, with good internet connection, good publicity and my love for social media platforms such as Instagram, it has been less work and more fun for me.

I have a deep passion interacting and starting conversations with different people. I also have a good edge at convincing people.

What are some of the challenges you have faced while using social media for promotions?

My major challenges are poor internet connection, high data costs, cost of running adverts and trying to get the attention of the public to follow my account and patronize me.

What is that thing that gives you an assurance that you have successfully run a campaign online?

The fact that I can post several pictures and my followers react to it in different ways is a good feeling. Even without posting a single picture in 2 days, I still get comments and orders coming through.

What advice will you give to someone who is intending to start a social media business?

Abiola is a young Nigerian who has the intent to offer a dynamic approach to the world of media and journalism. She has a huge interest in showcasing the works of young Nigerian entrepreneurs. She blogs about startups and small businesses on her blog Startup Stories with MzAbiola
She is also an aspiring actress and a great voice-over artist.